Interviewer: Laurie Kurutz
Interview Date: August 27, 2021
Location: Interview conducted over Zoom; Velvet Thorn was located in Sonoma County, California.
Duration: 0:33:44
Velvet Thorn introduces herself as a Burlesque performer, actor, aerial circus performer and singer. She describes Burlesque as theatrical stripping that can reflect the individual performer’s aesthetic. She differentiates between the Classic Burlesque of the 1940s and the Neo-Burlesque that she performs. Neo-Burlesque uses contemporary music and has more modern movement than Classic.
Thorn explains that she is on a hiatus from Burlesque because of the COVID pandemic. She confides she lost her creativity and drive due to the pandemic. She observes that performing via Zoom is not as satisfying as performing live in front of an audience. She does enjoy recording and editing her performances in the fashion of music videos. She is currently working on her Masters degree in teaching theatre.
Thorn states that she believes Burlesque is empowering in that she is in charge of every aspect of her performance. She describes her act to a song called Mama Said as an example of performance as empowerment.
Thorn explains how the Burlesque community is a force for social change. She cites the diverse festivals and shows, geared towards specific identities and populations, such as Black, Queer, disabled, etc.
As challenges for Burlesque, Thorn describes the lack of performing spaces dedicated to the art. She also cites a lack of awareness or misunderstanding of the art form in the general public. She wishes the art form would be less stigmatized and more accepted.
Dublin Core
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Description
Thorn explains that she is on a hiatus from Burlesque because of the COVID pandemic. She confides she lost her creativity and drive due to the pandemic. She observes that performing via Zoom is not as satisfying as performing live in front of an audience. She does enjoy recording and editing her performances in the fashion of music videos. She is currently working on her Masters degree in teaching theatre.
Thorn states that she believes Burlesque is empowering in that she is in charge of every aspect of her performance. She describes her act to a song called Mama Said as an example of performance as empowerment.
Thorn explains how the Burlesque community is a force for social change. She cites the diverse festivals and shows, geared towards specific identities and populations, such as Black, Queer, disabled, etc.
As challenges for Burlesque, Thorn describes the lack of performing spaces dedicated to the art. She also cites a lack of awareness or misunderstanding of the art form in the general public. She wishes the art form would be less stigmatized and more accepted.